Food, Wine & Relaxation

Wineries & Wine Tours

British Columbia is a major wine destination that pairs award-winning wines with spectacular scenery.

Take a self-guided or guided wine tour of BC wineries to discover why Frommer’s, Sherman’s Travel and The New York Times have all recommended the BC wine experience.

There are more than 200 wineries in BC. They range from intimate, family-run vineyards on pristine Vancouver Island to magnificent estate wineries set amongst sparkling lakes and golden deserts in the Okanagan Valley. To complete a BC wine getaway, some wineries have accommodations, restaurants, bistros or picnic areas.

Join fellow wine lovers at BC wine festivals or combine a winery tour with other activities. Swim or golf in the Okanagan, bike on the Gulf Islands, or explore restaurants in Vancouver.

Learn about wineries and vineyards in BC’s regions:

Thompson Okanagan: BC’s major wine-producing region. The Okanagan Valley is home to more than 120 wineries, and the Similkameen Valley was named one of the "5 Best Wine Regions You've Never Heard Of" by Air Canada's enRoute magazine (2009).

Wine Awards and Accolades

The Okanagan Valley has been named a Frommer's "Top Travel Destination," and BC wines consistently rank among the world’s best at international competitions. In 2010, BC wines received trophies at the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition in London, and earned Best in Show and Gold medals at more than 10 other major international competitions.

Many wineries participate in the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA). This designation guarantees a wine’s appellation of origin and stipulates quality standards. In essence, BC VQA indicates the wine is 100 percent from BC. VQA wines can be purchased at VQA wine stores throughout the province.

BC Icewine

As the northernmost region of grape growing and winemaking in North America, BC produces some of the world's most sought-after Icewine. Icewine is a sweet dessert wine made from naturally frozen grapes. Icewine grapes are typically harvested at temperatures from -8°C to -20°C/18°F to -4°F between November and February – and often by moonlight!

Domaine de Chaberton, the oldest winery near Vancouver, offers wine tours and French cuisine. The Fort Wine Company bottles the bounty of the Fraser Valley with luscious fruit wines, and Vista D'oro offers table wines and artisanal preserves.

Winery Tours and When to Visit

Depending on your needs, spend a day wine touring or plan a week-long wine vacation in BC. Ask local visitor centres for winery information and maps for a self-guided wine tour. Or arrange for a guided wine tour with a driver in popular regions like the Okanagan Valley and Vancouver Island.

Many wineries offer tours and nearly all offer tastings and onsite sales year-round, but "high season" runs from April until October. Call ahead during the off-season.

Some wineries welcome overnight stays and most are located near communities with plenty of accommodations. Many wineries incorporate food: nibble locally-made treats at a winery picnic area, or enjoy gourmet lunch on a patio overlooking vineyards.